Xie is vice secretary-general of the China Photographers Association and director general of Images Copyright Society of China. In the late 1980s, he took photos in China's rural areas and found many poor children were forced to drop out of school due to their poor economic conditions. Since then, he has started a colossal photography project, attempting to arouse society to help these children who might otherwise become illiterate. In April 1992, Xie touched the hearts of his audience with Project Hope, a 40-piece collection. One of his works entitled, "I desire to go to school," has become the symbol of Project Hope and can often be seen on his posters. Xie's documentary photographs for Project Hope have been exhibited in Singapore, Malaysia, the United States and Canada. In 1999, Xie was awarded the title of "Top Ten Advertisement Photographers of China."